Five Years of National Waiters’ Day

Posted March 22nd, 2017

National Waiters’ Day will take place this 16th May 2017, as the campaign, led by The Springboard Charity and Fred Sirieix, celebrates its 5th anniversary.
Waiters and front of house professionals will again be racing through London’s Hyde Park and other locations across the UK, as part of a celebration and promotion of front of house roles. The day aims to showcase the dedication, skills and hard work of front of house staff, as well as the great potential for rewarding careers in the hospitality industry, which employs 2.9 million people in the UK.

Alongside the waiters’ race, London’s Hyde Park event will involve activities which showcase hospitality employers and the skills needed for front of house roles. Hospitality businesses are opening their doors with careers talks and taster days, while the @WaitersDay_UK Twitter account will lead the social media campaign with the hashtag #NWD2017. Everyone can use the hashtag ahead of and on the day, whether tweeting a front of house team photo, or a photo from a National Waiters’ Day activity.

Fred Sirieix, General Manager at Galvin at Windows, said: “I’m excited to once again lead the race and celebrations in Hyde Park this 16th May - to be celebrating our fifth year of National Waiters’ Day is a wonderful milestone! It’s essential that we promote the ocean of career opportunities hospitality has to offer, celebrate the hard work of front of house professionals, and encourage more people to begin great careers in hospitality. With all the opportunities available, you can work hard and be rewarded with success – there has never been a more exciting time to join this special industry.”

The aim of National Waiters’ Day is to change perceptions regarding front of house roles and highlight the rewarding career progression routes that hospitality offers. Hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses are invited to offer activities, demonstrations and challenges for prospective employees and students.

Anne Pierce, Springboard’s CEO, said: “National Waiters’ Day was created to increase awareness of the range of roles available in front of house, and at the same time, to celebrate the work of the millions who work in the industry. It’s the ideal opportunity for job seekers and businesses alike, with activities ranging from skills challenges to talks, and of course the waiters’ race!”